Nursery Manager - Kids Planet Horsforth

The SSI Group; Horsforth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme

Life Insurance and health plan

Free meals (breakfast, lunch)

Job summary

Kids Planet Horsforth is seeking a proactive Nursery Manager to lead daily operations, delivering high-quality care and education in line with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

You will mentor and develop the nursery team, foster a positive culture, and build strong, trusting relationships with families while ensuring compliance and ongoing staff development. A supportive central team backs your leadership.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Level 3 early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS and safeguarding framework.
• Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring high-quality care and education in line with EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and policies.
• Lead, mentor, and support the nursery team to promote a positive, collaborative culture and staff development.
• Build strong relationships with families and external agencies to support each child’s development and wellbeing and prepare for inspections.

Skills

EYFS knowledge

Senior leadership experience

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 early years qualification

GCSE Maths or equivalent

Job description

What if your next job meant more than just work, what if it meant shaping futures, every day?

Kids Planet is a proud family-run business, we do things with heart and we’re passionate about giving every child the best possible start. No two settings are the same, but all of them are built around our shared values: care, curiosity, and a genuine love for early years.

Join Kids Planet Horsforth as a Nursery Manager!

We’re now looking for a Nursery Manager to join our team, someone who’s ready to get stuck in, spark imaginations, and help children thrive.

Why Kids Planet Horsforth?

• Good transport links, close to the train station
• Large nursery with lots of outdoor space
• Career progression opportunities
• Great Place to Work Certified 2025/26
• Ranked #1 UK Best Workplaces for Women, for the second year running
• Crowned NMT’s Large Nursery Group of the Year, for the second year running
• Awarded one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Education & Training by Great Place to Work 2026
• 80% Childcare Discount – T&Cs apply

What we’ll offer our Nursery Manager:

• An exclusive Nursery Manager Bonus Scheme to reward your leadership and impact.
• Life Insurance cover and access to a health plan.
• Free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks to fuel your day!
• Accredited training through our awesome KP Academy and bespoke training platform.
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, fertility, and adoption because family matters.
• Wellbeing goodies, staff rewards, and fun events all year round.
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment.
• Take the day off on your birthday, it’s all about you!
• Competitive salary, pension plan and enhanced holiday allowance.
• Friendly central support team always on hand to help.

How you’ll make a difference as a Nursery Manager:

• By managing the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education in line with the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and the nursery’s policies and procedures.
• Through leading, mentoring, and supporting the nursery team, promoting a positive, collaborative, and professional culture while ensuring staff development and performance are maintained to a high standard.
• By building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with families and external agencies, supporting each child’s development and wellbeing, and ensuring the nursery is always prepared for Ofsted inspections.

Requirements of a Nursery Manager:

• Must be at least Level 3 qualified in a UK recognised early years qualification.
• Excellent understanding of EYFS.
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding children.
• Senior leadership experience within a nursery setting.
• In line with legal regulations, you must hold a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths or gain it within 2 years of starting.

Sound like the place for you?

We are unable to offer any kind of visa sponsorship for this role.

We embrace everyone. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive culture and diverse workforce. We break down barriers so you can be your authentic self and flourish!

Kids Planet is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We expect all staff and volunteers to uphold this commitment, and safeguarding training is a fundamental part of every role. All colleagues are required to complete regular training to ensure they understand and fulfil their responsibilities. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is mandatory for all positions, and this role will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our safeguarding duties.